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WA-King County Introduces Dangerous Dog Legislation

Responding to a vicious attack on a 72-year old SeaTac woman by two pit bulls, King County Councilwoman Julia Patterson has introduced legislation restricting owners of dangerous dogs.

Last fall's attack left the victim in critical condition, with severed ears, a crushed arm and severe wounds across her body.

"Dogs bites are a serious problem that inflict considerable damage--both physical and emotional--on victims and their families," said Patterson, a SeaTac resident. "In order to prevent these tragic events, King County needs additional tools to protect our communities. I believe this proposed legislation is a great step in ensuring the safety and well-being of both our dogs and our residents."

The Center for Disease Control reports that dogs bite 4.5 million Americans each year, with one in five dog bites resulting in injuries that require medical attention.

The proposed legislation would make revisions to King County Code to reflect current Revised Code of Washington provisions and to address public safety concerns regarding dog bites.

The proposal would create special requirements, higher fees and fines, and disciplinary action for owners of dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs.

Specifically, the proposed legislation would require owners to:

Spay or neuter dogs that are dangerous or potentially dangerous.

Keep those dogs in a proper enclosures. When they leave the property, the animal must be on a leash and muzzled at all times.

Acquire insurance or surety bonds for dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs.
Display universally readable signage on their property that they own a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog.

Washington state law defines dangerous dogs as dogs that inflicts severe injury on a human being, kills a domestic animal without provocation while the dog is off the owner's property, or has been previously found to be potentially dangerous because of injury inflicted on a human are considered.

State law defines potentially dangerous dogs as dogs that when unprovoked, bite humans or domestic animals, chases or approaches persons in a menacing fashion, has a known tendency to attack unprovoked, or to cause injury or otherwise threaten the safety of humans or domestic animals.

The proposed legislation is not breed specific, but applies to all dogs exhibiting dangerous or potentially dangerous behavior.

Failure to comply with the fines and restrictions will result in additional fees. The county will use the revenue collected from the fines to educate dog owners about responsible pet ownership.

Responding to a vicious attack on a 72-year old SeaTac woman by two pit bulls, King County Councilwoman Julia Patterson has introduced legislation restricting owners of dangerous dogs.

Last fall's attack left the victim in critical condition, with severed ears, a crushed arm and severe wounds across her body.

"Dogs bites are a serious problem that inflict considerable damage--both physical and emotional--on victims and their families," said Patterson, a SeaTac resident. "In order to prevent these tragic events, King County needs additional tools to protect our communities. I believe this proposed legislation is a great step in ensuring the safety and well-being of both our dogs and our residents."

The Center for Disease Control reports that dogs bite 4.5 million Americans each year, with one in five dog bites resulting in injuries that require medical attention.

The proposed legislation would make revisions to King County Code to reflect current Revised Code of Washington provisions and to address public safety concerns regarding dog bites.

The proposal would create special requirements, higher fees and fines, and disciplinary action for owners of dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs.

Specifically, the proposed legislation would require owners to:

Spay or neuter dogs that are dangerous or potentially dangerous.

Keep those dogs in a proper enclosures. When they leave the property, the animal must be on a leash and muzzled at all times.

Acquire insurance or surety bonds for dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs.Display universally readable signage on their property that they own a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog.

Washington state law defines dangerous dogs as dogs that inflicts severe injury on a human being, kills a domestic animal without provocation while the dog is off the owner's property, or has been previously found to be potentially dangerous because of injury inflicted on a human are considered.

State law defines potentially dangerous dogs as dogs that when unprovoked, bite humans or domestic animals, chases or approaches persons in a menacing fashion, has a known tendency to attack unprovoked, or to cause injury or otherwise threaten the safety of humans or domestic animals.

The proposed legislation is not breed specific, but applies to all dogs exhibiting dangerous or potentially dangerous behavior.

Failure to comply with the fines and restrictions will result in additional fees. The county will use the revenue collected from the fines to educate dog owners about responsible pet ownership.